Customs and Border Protection Media Release

Man arrested for importing two kilograms of cocaine into Australia - 8 December 2010

Joint media summary with the Australian Federal Police

A 52-year-old American man has been arrested at Sydney Airport for allegedly importing cocaine into Australia.

He is scheduled to appear in Sydney Central Local Court today.

Customs and Border Protection officers stopped the man for a baggage examination when he arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Buenos Aires yesterday, 7 December 2010.

An x-ray of his suitcase revealed an image consistent with a possible concealment. Initial testing indicated the presence of illicit drugs.

The man was referred to the Australian Federal Police, and charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine contrary to section 307.2(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years imprisonment and/or a $550,000 fine.

Further forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the exact weight and purity of the substance.

Media enquiries:
AFP National Media (02) 6131 6333
Customs and Border Protection Communication and Media (02) 6275 6793